Shift: Etymology, Literal and Conceptual Meanings
Shift in Poetry: Etymology
The term “shift” in poetry, derived from the Old English word “sciftan,” has undergone a semantic evolution over time, reflecting changes in both linguistic and literary contexts. Originally signifying a physical movement or change, the etymology of “shift” has expanded to encompass a nuanced transformation in poetic expression. In the realm of poetry analysis, a shift refers to a noticeable alteration or deviation in tone, theme, or perspective within a poem. This evolution in meaning aligns with the dynamic nature of language and the ever-shifting landscape of poetic techniques. Scholars and critics engage with these shifts as pivotal moments in the interpretation of a poem, recognizing them as deliberate choices made by poets to convey complex layers of meaning and emotion.
Literal and Conceptual Meanings of “Shift” in Poetry:
| Aspect | Literal Meaning | Conceptual Meaning |
| Etymology | Old English “sciftan,” meaning to move or change position. | Evolution to convey a nuanced transformation in poetry. |
| Linguistic Shift | Physical movement or change. | Alteration in language to evoke diverse poetic effects. |
| Poetic Technique | A noticeable deviation in tone, theme, or perspective. | Deliberate choice by poets to convey complex meanings. |
| Analytical Focus | Recognition of changes within a poem. | Interpretation of shifts as pivotal moments in analysis. |
| Literary Context | Reflects the dynamic nature of language and expression. | Highlights the ever-shifting landscape of poetic craft. |
This table outlines both the literal and conceptual meanings of the term “shift” in poetry, emphasizing the evolution from its etymological roots to its application in the analysis of poetic techniques. The linguistic and analytical aspects showcase the multifaceted nature of this term in the realm of literary discourse.
Shift: Definition as a Literary Device
In poetry, a shift is a deliberate and significant change in tone, theme, or perspective within a poem. This literary device, often used by poets to emphasize a point or theme, serves as a pivotal point that alters the direction or focus of the poem. Through such shifts, poets can evoke emotional responses from his readers and emphasize thematic points, inviting his readers to engage with evolving layers of meaning within the poetic work.
Shift in Poetry: Types
- Volta (Italian Sonnet Shift): Commonly found in sonnets, especially Petrarchan or Italian sonnets, the volta is a pronounced shift in the poem’s argument or tone, often occurring between the octave and the sestet.
- Stanzaic Shifts: These shifts involve changes between stanzas, impacting the poem’s pacing and thematic development. Shifts may manifest in alterations of mood, setting, or narrative focus.
- Tonal Shifts: Poets use tonal shifts to change the emotional or atmospheric quality of a poem. This shift can evoke contrasting feelings within the reader and contribute to the overall impact of the work.
- Temporal Shifts: Poems may incorporate shifts in time, moving between past, present, and future. These shifts can deepen the narrative complexity and offer insights into the poem’s overarching themes.
- Shifts in Persona or Voice: Changes in the speaker’s perspective or voice contribute to shifts in a poem. This device allows poets to explore diverse viewpoints or reveal different facets of the speaker’s identity.
- Shifts in Imagery: Poets often employ shifts in imagery to transition between concrete and abstract concepts. These shifts can enhance the reader’s understanding and emotional engagement with the poem.
- Rhetorical Shifts: Changes in rhetorical devices, such as shifts in diction, syntax, or rhetorical questions, can create emphasis, highlight contrasts, or provoke thought within a poem.
- Punctuation and Line Break Shifts: Poets may use shifts in punctuation or line breaks to influence the rhythm and pacing of a poem. These shifts can guide readers in interpreting pauses and emphasizing specific elements.
Understanding these types of shifts enables readers to navigate the intricacies of a poem, appreciating the intentional choices made by poets to enhance meaning and evoke emotional responses.
Shift in Poetry: Shakespearean Examples
| Sonnet | Shift | Explanation |
| Sonnet 18 – “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” | The shift occurs in the ninth line (the volta) when the poet transitions from describing the beauty of summer to asserting the eternal quality of his beloved’s beauty. | The poet shifts from comparing the beloved to a summer’s day, which is subject to change and imperfection, to claiming that the beauty of the beloved will remain immortal through the words of the poem. |
| Sonnet 29 – “When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes” | The volta in this sonnet happens in the ninth line, where the tone shifts from self-loathing and despair to a realization of the poet’s true wealth. | The speaker moves from a state of feeling dejected and cursed by fortune to recognizing the redemptive power of love and the joy it brings, transforming his entire perspective. |
| Sonnet 73 – “That time of year thou mayst in me behold” | The volta appears in the ninth line, shifting from describing the speaker’s aging and impending death to emphasizing the depth of his love. | The speaker moves from contemplating his own mortality, symbolized by autumn and death, to assuring the listener that despite the physical decay, his love remains strong and enduring. |
| Sonnet 116 – “Let me not to the marriage of true minds” | The volta occurs in the ninth line, transitioning from defining what love is not to affirming the constancy and endurance of true love. | The poet moves from negating various aspects that love is not (e.g., time’s changes or external obstacles) to asserting the steadfast nature of true love that remains unaltered even in the face of challenges. |
| Sonnet 130 – “My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun” | The volta is in the concluding couplet, where the tone shifts from mocking traditional idealized descriptions of beauty to celebrating the sincerity of the speaker’s love. | The poet moves from presenting a satirical inversion of conventional love poetry, listing the imperfections of his mistress, to declaring that despite these flaws, his love for her is real and unaffected by superficial standards. |
Shift in Poetry: Suggested Readings
- Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Harcourt Brace, 1999.
- Brooks, Cleanth, and Robert Penn Warren. Understanding Poetry. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1976.
- Hirsch, Edward. How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry. Harvest Books, 2000.
- Vendler, Helen. The Art of Shakespeare’s Sonnets. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1999.
- Eagleton, Terry. How to Read a Poem. Blackwell, 2007.
- Hollander, John. Rhyme’s Reason: A Guide to English Verse. Yale University Press, 1981.
- Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 1957.
- Heaney, Seamus. The Government of the Tongue: Selected Prose 1978-1987. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1988.
- Ricoeur, Paul. The Rule of Metaphor: Multi-disciplinary Studies of the Creation of Meaning in Language. Routledge, 2003.
- Eliot, T.S. The Sacred Wood: Essays on Poetry and Criticism. Faber and Faber, 1920.